The MVP case for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was simple. He’s the best player on an Oklahoma City Thunder team that set an NBA record for average margin of victory.

After winning his first scoring title and leading Oklahoma City to a league-best 68 wins, the former Clippers draft pick takes the honor for the first time. He was the runner-up in last season’s

After his rookie campaign, the Clippers sent him and a treasure chest of draft picks to the Thunder for veteran All-Star forward Paul George. While that trade has turned into a disaster for the Clippers, who won just three playoff series in five years with George and Kawhi Leonard, it has propelled Oklahoma City into title contention.